Debra Todd – First Female Chief Justice PA Supreme Court

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Debra Todd – First Female Chief Justice PA Supreme Court

Post published:April 5, 2024
Post category:Honors/Awards / Women

Debra Todd - First Female Chief Justice PA Supreme Court

By Kathleen A. Mooney, PhD, LCHS Volunteer Webmaster

Congratulations to Chief Justice Debra Todd of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Born and raised in Elwood City, Pennsylvania, Debra Todd was sworn in as the 58th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania on January 20, 2023. In doing so, she became the first female chief justice in the 300 year history of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court. (1) To put this in an historical context, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is the highest Court in the commonwealth and the oldest appellate court in the nation. (1)

“I realize I’m the first female chief justice, but I know I won’t be the last.” (1)

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette journalist, Anya Sostek, in an article dated January 19, 2023, stated: “Ellwood City native Debra Todd was a ‘superstar from the start.’ Now she leads the Pa. Supreme Court.” (2)

In recognition of National Women’s History Month, the Pennsylvania Courts today released an infographic looking at the history of women in the Pennsylvania judiciary, as well as those women currently serving.